CT Enterography

(Computed tomography enterography)

Procedure overview

CT enterography is a diagnostic procedure that uses CT imagery and a contrast material for a better view of the interior of the small intestine. The procedure allows your doctor to determine what is causing your condition. He or she can also tell how well you're responding to treatment for a health issue, such as Crohn's disease.

The Digestive Tract. Click to Enlarge

Reasons for the procedure

CT enterography is typically performed in order to:

Identify inflammation

Find out if tumors are present

Find bowel obstructions or abscesses

Find the source of bleeding

Risks of the procedure

Because CT enterography uses X-ray technology, radiation exposure can pose some risk. Talk with your doctor about this risk.

You should let your doctor know if you have any allergies, particularly if you have had an allergic reaction to contrast materials or dyes before.

If you are pregnant or suspect that you may be pregnant, tell your doctor.

There may be other risks, depending upon your specific medical condition. Be sure to discuss any concerns with your doctor before the procedure.

Benefits of the procedure

CT enterography is a quick, accurate, noninvasive procedure. No pain is involved.

Unlike regular X-ray images, CT enterography is able to provide detailed images of tissue and structures, such as bone and blood vessels.

Before the procedure

Be sure to let your doctor know about any recent infections or illnesses, as well as any chronic conditions that you have, such as diabetes, asthma, heart disease, thyroid problems, and kidney disease.

You will be asked to stop eating and drinking about four hours before the procedure.

You may wear a gown during CT enterography, but you should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes the day of the procedure.

Remember to remove all jewelry and other metal objects, and ask whether you need to remove any hearing aids and metal dental devices that can be taken out.

CT Scanner

During the procedure

The first step in a CT enterography is to drink a few glasses of liquid over the course of about an hour. The liquid includes the contrast material that will help the radiologist better see the inside of your small intestine on the CT scan. The taste may be unpleasant, but most patients find it tolerable. Instead of drinking a contrast solution, you may have it given by enema. You may feel abdominal fullness and an urge to expel the liquid, but the discomfort will only last for a short time.

You may also be given a different type of contrast, which is injected through an intravenous (IV) line; the exact type of imaging used will determine this.

After you have finished drinking the contrast liquid solution, you will lie on a table, probably on your back. As you lie on the table, it will slowly move through the CT scanning machine to capture the X-ray images.

You will likely be asked to hold your breath for brief periods while the machine is scanning. The procedure is painless, but you will have to lie still for a period of time, which could be uncomfortable for some people.

After the procedure

The CT enterography procedure does not cause any lasting side effects, and needs no recovery time because it requires no incisions or sedation. You can resume your regular activities as soon as the procedure is completed. You may have nausea, diarrhea, and cramps for a little while after the test.

A radiologist will review your test results and send them to your doctor. You will then have a follow-up phone call or visit with your doctor to discuss the results and next steps.